What Are IBCs Used For?

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IBC Reconditioning

August 21, 2018

IBCs stands for Intermediate Bulk Containers which store and transport liquids and powders. They are large robust containers made from reusable white industrial grade plastic usually attached to a pallet. The cube shape makes them easy to store and transport than the conventional barrel containers.

Reconditioning stations clean the remaining contents of the IBC and prepare them for reuse. This is cost effective for companies who are able to use the same IBCs over and over again. Reconditioning also provides business opportunities for companies to hire out IBCs to transport companies.

The most common sizes of IBCs are 1000 litres and 1250 litres. IBCs that are not reusable because they have reached the end of life are being made into interesting objects by people who acquire them. Intermediate Bulk Containers play a major role in all of our lives because we wouldn’t be able to transport goods as easily without them.

What Are Intermediate Bulk Containers?

IBCs are essentially big plastic boxes used to transport and store a wide range of substances effectively and efficiently. They are a worthy replacement for the traditional barrels due to their reusability and symmetrical shape. Intermediate bulk containers store and transport the following materials; chemicals, commodities, liquid or powdered food ingredients, syrups, solvents, rainwater and paints.

Reconditioning systems increase the lifespan of IBCs by making them reusable. The Challenger Drumtech IBC Reprocessing Line washes, rinses and dries IBCs. Washing them completely removes labels and any remaining contents. After going through the process the IBCs are ready to be used again for new and completely different materials. It is important to test the containers before reuse to ensure they are still in good condition.

What Else Can IBCs Be Used For?

This is where IBCs get really exciting and creative. The huge white square plastic boxes are the inspiration for a whole Pinterest page on, ‘Creative Ideas For IBC Container’. Innovative ideas range from; whelping boxes to plunge pools, aquaponics to chicken coops and hot tubs to shelters for goats.

Aquaponics

Aquaponics is the growing of fish and soilless aquatic plants in one integrated system. The plants and fish live together in harmony with fish waste providing food for the plants and the plants keeping the water aerated. Nitrifying bacteria converts the ammonia from the fish waste into nitrates which help plants to grow. This perfect ecosystem allows people to harvest both fish and plants from their own garden. (Source: theaquaponicsource.com).

Whelping Boxes

Whelping boxes are nesting pens where pregnant dogs give birth and care for their young puppies. The sides of the box are tall enough to prevent the puppies from escaping but low enough to let the mother leave the box easily. IBCs are the perfect shape and size to make a whelping box. It is simple to cut the box into shape and it is light enough to move around the house.

Hot Tubs

Hot tubes are very popular at the moment because they allow people to enjoy a relaxing experience in the comfort of their own gardens. People are adapting IBCs to make homemade hot tubs using pallets and linings.

Light Displays

The transparent nature of IBCs provides the perfect opportunity to produce impressive light displays. IBCs are arranged in different formations and illuminated with different coloured lights. The result is an eye-catching display

Intermediate bulk containers are not only effective ways to transport different substances they are also reusable. The life of an IBC doesn’t end once it is no longer in service as there are many different uses for them in everyday life.

If you would like to find out more about IBCs and our reconditioning system contact us and we would be happy to help.